Apparatus for forming wire links

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is disclosed for forming a wire link and for assembling the wire link to a preformed ornamental article. The apparatus avoids the use of air-operated control devices and including an electric motor-driven cam assembly that provides for sequential operation of link forming and feeding devices. The wire elements are formed from wire stock and are fed to a linking and assembly station at which the wire elements are formed into links and are simultaneously assembled with the preformed ornamental article.

United States Patent [191 Crafford et al.

[ 1 Oct. 15, 1974 1 1 APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE LINKS [75] Inventors: Thomas J. Craftord, East Providence, R.l.; John W. Crafford, Rehoboth, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Crafford Tool & Die C0., Riverside,

[22] Filed: Jan. 24, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 326,411

[52] U.S. Cl. 59/16, 59/25 [51] Int. Cl B211 l/4 [58] Field of Search 59/3, 1O, l6, 18, 23, 24, 59/25, 27

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 273,919 3/1883 Walcott 59/24 1,340,639 5/1920 Weinacker... 1. 59/25 3,004,383 10/1961 Crafford 59/25 3,128.028 4/1964 Crafford 226/165 3,354,633 11/1967 Crafford 3,591,919 7/1971 Cavagnero 59/18 Primary Examiner-Charles W. Lanham Assistant Examiner-Gene P. Crosby Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Salter & Michaelson 5 7 ABSTRACT Apparatus is disclosed for forming a wire link and for assembling the wire link to a preformed ornamental article. The apparatus avoids the use of air-operated control devices and including an electric motor-driven cam assembly that provides for sequential operation of link forming and feeding devices. The wire elements are formed from wire stock and are fed to a linking and assembly station at which the wire elements are formed into links and are simultaneously assembled with the preformed ornamental article.

28 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PAIENIEB T 51% 3.8141 .0838

saw sor 1 APPARATUS FOR FORMING WIRE LINKS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The apparatus for forming wire links as embodied in the present invention has particular application in the jewelry industry wherein the links as formed are joined to a preformed chain or finding.

The basic concept of the linking machine described herein is illustrated and described in US. Pat. Nos. 3,004,383 and 3,354,633, wherein apparatus is disclosed for automatically feeding wire stock to a linking machine, at which the wire stock is severed into a plurality of wire sections, the wire sections being formed into a U" configuration and then being individually transferred to an assembly station for assembly to a preformed jewelry article such as a chain or finding Although the linking machines as described in the aforementioned patents have satisfactorily served the purpose illustrated and described therein, the operation of these prior linking machines was dependent upon the use of a source of air pressure for operating the components of the machine to perform the linking operation. It has been found that in certain circumstances, a source of compressed air is not always available, in which case the linking machines as described in the aforementioned patents could not be used. Even in those instances where compressed air was available, the use of the equipment for providing the compressed air was expensive; and the installation of such equipment and the maintenance thereof was sometimes prohibitive in cost. Further, it has been found that in the operation of the prior known linking machines that utilized compressed air for the operation thereof, the noise factor in operating the machines was oftentimes greater than desirable'and in many instances has been a continuing annoyance to the operators of the machines and to those employees who worked in the vacinity of the machines.

The use of the prior known machines for linking wire elements that required compressed air for the operation thereof furthermore limited the structural embodiment of the machines since the design of the machines was necessarily directed to that structure which accommodated the movement of the air cylinder piston rods. In certain instances such movements could not be as closely controlled as desired; and although the prior known machines did perform satisfactorily for the purpose intended, it has been found that greater control in the operation of such machines will increase the operating efficiency and thereby reduced the operating costs therefor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for forming a wire element and/or linking the wire element to a preformed, ornamental article. The apparatus includes a cam assembly that comprises a plurality of cams, each of the cams sequentially operating a unit of the apparatus for forming the wire elements and successively moving them to a linking station. The broad aspect of the invention contemplates moving wire elements to a linking station in successive relation by a transfer mechanism that is interconnected to a vertically movable carrier. The carrier is operable by a set of cams for moving the carrier at timed intervals for feeding wire elements through a preforming device to a magazine that communicates directly with a lower die assembly. The lower die assembly locates the wire elements in oriented position for movement to the linking and assembly station and includes a vertically movable pusher blade that is operated in timed relation by one of the cams to lift a wire element to the linking station. Simultaneously therewith, another of the cams moves a forming head die downwardly with a head assembly, the forming head die cooperating with a die carried by the lower die assembly to close the wire element into a link and to assemble the link with a preformed article such as a chain or finding. The cams that provide for sequential operation of the feeding device, the preforming member, the forming head and the .pusher blade are mounted on a cam shaft for rotation there with, the cams being contoured in predetermined relation to provide for movement of the operating devices as described.

One of the features of the invention is to provide an adjustment for the cam that is operable to move the pusher blade in a link forming operation, wherein adjustment is made for'use of different size wire elements and links as formed therefrom. In order to accomplish this purpose, the portion of the cam that is programmed, to lift the pusher blade is removable and replaceable by a similar portion having a different contour wherein the difference in contour of the replacement portion provides for variation in vertical lift of the pusher blade to compensate for a different size wire element that is required for forming a link of predetermined size.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a linking machine that automatically feeds wire sections to an assembly or linking station and then forms the wire sections into wire rings or links for the assembly thereof to a preformed, ornamental article.

Another object of the invention is to provide a linking machine wherein the operating elements thereof are responsive to the operation of a plurality of cams that are contoured to sequentially produce feeding of wire elements to a linking station, preforming the wire elements prior to the movement thereof to the linking station and movement of the preformed wire elements at the linking station to form a closed link for assembly with a preformed chain or finding.

Still another object is to provide a cam operated linking machine that includes an adjustable cam that is interconnected to a pusher blade located at the linking station of the machine, the adjustable cam being operative to lift the pusher blade a predetermined distance in accordance with thesize of the link to be formed.

Still another object is to provide a preforming assembly in a linking machine that is operative to move the legs of a wire element to a position that enables the legs to be easily closed in a link-forming operation at the linking station of the machine.

Still another object is to provide a linking machine that incorporates a vibrating feed for the wire elements therein, the vibrating feed moving the wire elements through a magazine to a linking station, the wire elements having been preformed prior to introduction thereof to the vibrating feeding device.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the linking machine embodied in the present invention which incorporates a wire feeding device therein;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a portion of the linking machine showing the wire feeding device;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view with parts shown in section of the wire feeding device and the cam for producing the operation thereof;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1, but with parts shown in section and showing the cam for controlling the movement of the head assembly of the linking machine;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5 and illustrating the position of the wire element preforming cams prior to the preforming operation;

, FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 and showing the position of the preforming cams during the wire element preforming operation;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the machine illustrated in FIG. 1 with the front cover thereof removed, and showing the control cam for lifting the pusher blade in a link forming operation;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the pusher blade control cam illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the control cam shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the wire element feeding device, magazine assembly and lower die assembly and the relation thereof with respect to each other as used in the linking machine illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carrier that operates the transfer assembly and the cut-off and forming device;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the linking machine showing a modified form of wire element feed mechanism;

FIG. 15 is an elevational view showing the arbor of the modified feed mechanism as it is attached to a vibrating hopper at one end and to a feed magazine at the other end thereof; and

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view similar to FIG. 12 showing the component parts of the wire element feed mechanism and lower die assembly as employed in the modified form of feed mechanism illustrated in FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION includes a bottom support plate 12 and a top support plate 14 that are interconnected by a front vertical support 16, a central vertical support 18 and a rear vertical support 20. Appropriate bolts and connections secure the vertical supports 16, 18 and 20 to the bottom plate 12 and top plate 14. i

As will be described, the operation of the linking machine 10 in the present invention is determined by a plurality of cams that are mounted on a cam shaft 22 that extends through appropriate bearings located in the vertical supports 16, 18 and 20. Rotation of the cam shaft 22 and operation of the linking machine is produced by a motor 24 that is of any conventional construction and is adapted to be operated by conventional l 10 volt line current. The motor 24 is mounted on the bottom support plate 12, and the output shaft thereof is operatively connected to a gear reducer 26 that steps down the normal output of the motor 24 of RPM to any suitable speed. Connected to the output of the gear reducer 26 is a coupling 28 that also is interconnected to an electric clutch 30 of the single revolution type, the electric clutch 30 being interconnected to line current through lines 32. A switch 34 is mounted on the upper support plate 14 adjacent to the motor 24 and electrically interconnects the motor 24 to line current through a cable 25 and has a toggle member 36 that is movable to an on-off position for controlling the operation of the linking machine 10. The electric clutch 30 which is joined directly to the cam shaft 22 is operated by the motor 24 and is operable only to produce a single revolution of the cam shaft 22 for each linking operation, the operation of the clutch 30 being controlled by a foot pedal that is depressed by the operator of the machine for each linking operation. A bar 38 having a threaded end 40 projects through an opening in the upper support plate 14, and

the vertical position of the bar 38 is controlled by a nut 42 that engages the threaded portion 40 of the bar 38 above the support plate 14. The lower end of the bar 38 terminates in a horizontal projecting portion 44 that is interconnected to the shaft of the electric clutch 30 and is operative to locate the output shaft of the clutch 30 and the cam shaft 22 joined thereto in a specific radial position so as to locate the cams on the cam shaft in the appropriate position for beginning each linking operation.

In the operation of the linking machine, a wire feeding device 45 (FIG. 2) feeds a continuous length of wire stock W to a cut-off and forming device 46 (FIG. 12) at which the wire stock is cut off and formed in U- shaped wire elementsw The wire elements W are moved by a transfer assembly 47 through a magazine 48 for preforming by a preform assembly 49 (FIG. 7) into wire elements W which are thereafter moved to a lower die assembly 50 for transfer into engagement with an upper forming die 51 that is mounted for vertical movement in a head assembly 52 (FIG. 1). As will be described, each of the above devices and assemblies are sequentially operated in timed relation by cams that are mounted for rotation on the cam shaft 22;

In a link forming operation it is necessary that a forming head 51a, in which tthe forming die 51 is mounted, be moved downwardly to a position at which it is engaged by the wire element W during the linking operation. In order to locate the forming die 51in the prescribed position, and to further providefor a preforming of the wire elements by the preforming assembly 49, as will be described hereinafter, the head assembly 52 is provided and is mounted over the upper support plate 14 and in spaced relation with respect thereto. The head assembly 52 includes an elongated head cam 53 that has an inclined edge 54 formed on the rearmost end thereof that engages a follower roller 55. The follower roller 55 is mounted on the uppermost end of an elongated vertical follower arm 56 that extends through an opening 57 formed in the upper support plate 14 and terminates adjacent a head assembly operating cam 58. The cam 58 is mounted on the cam shaft 22 for rotation therewith; and as illustrated in FIG. 5, a roller 59 is rotatably mounted on the lower end of the follower arm 56 in a lower bifurcated portion thereof, the roller 59 engaging the cam 58 and being movable on the contoured edge thereof for vertically moving the follower arm 56. Enclosing the rearmost portion of the head cam 53 and the uppermost end of the follower arm 56 is a rear' cover 60, the cover 60 being mounted on a head arm 61 to which a front cover 62 is joined. The covers 60 and 62 cooperate with the head arm 61 to form a bracket structure for the head assembly 52 and are interconnected to a yoke 63 that is mountable on the support plate 14. Extending into the front cover 62 is the forwardmost portion of the head cam 53 on which an inclined cam surface 64 is formed. A roller bearing 70 mounted in the cover 62 engages the upper surface of the forward end of the head cam 53 adjacent to the inclined follower surface 64 and provides a bearing surface therefor so as to insure proper longitudinal aligned movement of the head cam 53.

Mounted on the forward portion of the bracket structure that includes the yoke 63 is a head block 72. The head block 72 is mounted for vertical, sliding movement and is secured for vertical movement on the bracket structure by suitable bolts. Mounted on the head block 72 is a roller 76 that engages the inclined cam surface 64 of the head cam 53. The roller 76 cooperates with the roller 70 to receive the forward end of the head cam 53 therebetween, the roller 76 further being vertically movable with the head block 72 upon longitudinal movement of the head cam 53. A spring 78 is mounted in the head block 72 and engages a fixed abutment 80 of a stationary part of the head assembly bracket structure, the spring 78 acting to return the head block 72 to the upper position thereof following downward movement of the head block by the head cam 53 and after the head cam 53 has been retracted. Joined to the head block 72 and movable therewith is the forming head 51a to which the upper forming die 51 is secured. The upper forming die 51 has a rounded lower edge that receives a wire element W in engagement therewith during the linking operation. The forming head 51a is adjustable in vertical position with respect to the head block 72 by an adjustment screw 84 and is adjustable in lateral relation by the adjustment screws 86 and 88. Further vertical adjustment of the head block 72 is provided by an adjustment screw 90 that engages the upper end of the head block 72 and that is vertically movable to adjust the space between the forming die 51 and the uppermost end of a lower die member mounted in the lower die assembly 50.

The head cam 53 of the head assembly 52 is movable relative to the yoke 63 and to the bracket assembly attached to the yoke 63, the movement of the head cam 53 being longitudinally of the head assembly and occurring upon vertical movement of the follower arm 56. In order to return the head cam 53 to its original position after it has been shifted longitudinally by the follower arm 56, a plunger 94 is provided and extends into a retainer 96 located above the yoke 63, a spring 98 being positioned in the retainer 96. The spring abuts against a shoulder 100 formed on the plunger 94 and is fixed in position at the opposite end by a retainer screw 102. The outermost end of the plunger 94 engages a shoulder 104 formed on the head cam 53, and it is seen that as the head cam 53 is moved to the right as illustrated in FIG. 5, the spring 98 is compressed. Continued rotation of the cam 58 causes the follower 56 to move downwardly, withdrawing the roller 55 from engagement with the inclined surface 54. The spring 98 then urges the plunger 94 outwardly to return the head cam 53 to the left as seen in FIG. 5. It is understood that movement of the head cam 53 to the right as illustrated in FIG. 5 by the cam 58 will move the head block 72 and the forming head die 51 mounted thereon downwardly to the required position for forming a link.

The cam 58 is contoured to lift the follower arm 56 upwardly for moving the head cam 53 longitudinally of the head assembly and in proper sequence for the linking operation. In order to positively move the arm 56 downwardly to allow for retraction of the head cam 53, a latch 105 is pivotally secured to the lowermost end' of the follower arm 56 and is engageable with a pin 106 that is secured to the cam 58 A small spring 108 engages a corner of the latch 105 and is secured to the adjacent end of the follower arm 56 thereby locating the hook portion of the latch 105 in positive engagement with the pin 106 during the retracting period of the follower arm 56. It is seen as the cam 58 rotates after movement of the head cam 53 to the right, the pin 106 engages the hook portion of the latch 105 and positively returns the follower arm 56 to the downward position thereof, thereby allowing the: spring 98 to retract the head cam 53 to the left as seen in FIG. 5.

As will be described hereinafter, each wire element W as it is fed to the linking station has been preformed so that the ends thereof are curved inwardly to enable the linking operation to be effectively carried out. This preforming step occurs after the wire stock W has been cut and formed by the cutoff and] forming device 46 and the elements'W, transferred to the magazine 48. As the wire elements W are transferred through the magazine, the preforming operation occurs; and as illustrated in FIGS. Sand 7, the preform assembly 49 is mounted on the headblock 72 by bolts 110 and includes a cam carrier 112 that is adjustably mounted between plates 114 (FIG. 7) that are formed as part of the head'arm 61. Suitable slots 116 are formed in the cam carrier 112 which receive cams 118 therein, the lowermost ends of the cams 118 being formed with tapered surfaces 120 that are formed with a predetermined an gle. The tapered surfaces 120 of the cams 118 are engageable with preforming jaws 122 that are located below the cam carrier 112 and are mounted between plates 124 that extend into a support block mounted on the support plate 12. Each jaw 122 is formed with an inclined surface 126 that corresponds in taper to the surfaces 120 formed on the cams 118. A resilient pad 128 is located between the jaws 122 and for normally biasing said jaws 122 outwardly and resisting inward movement thereof as the cams 118 engage the surfaces 126 of the jaws. The cams 118 are both held in fixed through 12, the wire stock W from which links are to be formed is fed in a continuous length from a suitable source such as a spool to the linking machine 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the length of wire W is fed to the wire feeding device 45 which provides for intermittent feed of the wire W to the cutoff and forming device 46. The wire W enters the wire feeding device 45 through a block 132 having a felt pad 134 located therein, the felt pad 134 wiping the wire W to remove excess oils and impurities therefrom. The wire W passes through a feed block 136 which is reciprocated by an actuating arm 138, and the operation of the feed block 136 for feeding the wire W and the reciprocation thereof by the actuating arm 138 is illustrated and described in US. Pat. No. 3,l28,028. As shown in US. Pat. No. 3,l28,028, an actuating arm is reciprocally moved by a drive assembly that is operated through an air actuated piston rod. In the invention as illustrated in FIG; 3 herein, a drive assembly generally indicated at 140 and that includes plungers 142 and 144 is reciprocated by a drive arm 146 that is operatively connected thereto and to adrive bracket 148. The drive bracket 148 has follower rollers 150 mounted thereon that engage a wire feed cam 152 that is mounted for rotation on the cam shaft 22. It is seen that rotation of the wire feed cam 152 laterally shifts the drive bracket 148 in a reciprocating motion which in turn shifts the drive arm 146 therewith. As the wire feed drive assembly 140 is moved in a reciprocating motion by the wire feed cam 152, the continuous length of the wire W is fed to the cutoff and forming device 46 through an opening in a wire guide 153 (FIG. 12), the wire guide 153 being positioned adjacent to the cutoff and forming device 46. As shown in FIG. 2, the wire feeding device 45 is mounted on a support plate 154 that is fixed to the base of the linking machine and is offset with respect to the operating structure of the machine wherein wire W is fed to the cutoff and forming device 46 in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine.

As the continuous length of the wire W is fed to the cutoff and forming device 46, the wire W is automatically cut into predetermined lengths and immediately thereafter is formed into U-shaped wire elements W The wire elements W are then automatically fed into the magazine 48 to the preforming assembly 49, after which the preformed wire elements W are directed to the lower die assembly 50. As will be described, the lower die assembly 50 includes a vertically movable die member that carries the wire elements W to the linking or assembly station for engagement thereof with the upper forming die 51.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 13, a carrier is generally indicated at 156 and as shown in mounted for vertical movement between the lower support plate 12 and upper support plate 14 on carrier control cams 158 and 160. As will be described, the vertical movement of the carrier 156 provides for corresponding movement of the cutoff and forming device 146 and the transfer assembly 47 for forming the wire elements W and transferring them to the magazine 48 and lower die assembly 50. The carrier 156 includes a body portion 161 having pairs of depending ears 162 and 163 joined thereto. Openings 164 and 165 are formed in the body portion 161, the purpose of which all will be described hereinafter. Both cams 158, 160 are mounted on the cam shaft 22 for rotation therewith, cam 158 engaging a roller 166 that is rotatably mounted between the ears 162 of the carrier 156. The cam 160 engages a follower roller 167 that is located between the ears 163 of the carrier 156. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cam 160 has a pin 170 secured thereto that is engaged by a hook portion 172 of a latch 173 pivotally joined to a pin 174 on which the roller 167 is mounted. It is seen that the cams 158 and 160 elevate the carrier 156, the latch 173 providing for positive return of the carrier as the cams rotate to the low position thereof. A small spring 176 is joined to an end of the latch 173 and to an ear 163 of the carrier 156 an provides for positive engagement of the hook portion of the latch 173 with the pin 170.

'Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 12, the components of the linking machine are illustrated that cut the wire W into the U-shaped sections W and feed the wire sections W to a forward position for transfer to the assembly or linking station. Mounted on the upper support plate 14 and fixed thereto by appropriate doweling and bolts are spaced support blocks 178 and 179. The space between the rear support block 178 and the forward support block 179 provides for location therebetween of a rear channel insert 180 and a rear channel insert holder 182. Extending through the rear support block 178 and positioned adjacent the rear channel insert 180 and the rear channel insert holder 182 is the cutoff and forming device 46, which as shown in FIG. 12 is defined by a rectangularly shaped body portion 196, the uppermost end of which is formed with a slot 198 that defines spaced legs 200 and 202. Fixed to the legs 200 and 202 and located in a recess 204 that is formed in the body portion 196, are cutting and forming blades 206 and 208. The uppermost edges of the blades 206 and 208 are grooved and are slightly inclined which provide for receiving the wire W from an opening 209 formed in the wire guide 153 and for severing the wire W into the wire elements W A shank 210 is secured to the lower end of the body portion 196 and joined to the shank 210 is an enlarged head 212 that is received within the opening formed in the carrier 156. It is seen that vertical movement of the carrier 156 will also carry the cutoff and forming device 46 therewith.

Located adjacent to the cutoff and forming device 46 and fixed to the support block 178 by suitable bolts is the rear channel insert holder 182 which as shown in FIG. 12 is provided with a slot 214 for receiving the rear channel insert therein. The rear channel insert 180 includes spaced flanges 216 between which a slot 218 having a generally rounded bottom is formed, the rounded formation of the slot 218 extending outwardly into a projection 220 that is formed as an integral part of the insert 180. Disposed forwardly of the cutoff and forming device 46 and located in engaging relation therewith is a stripper plate 222 in the upper end of which a U-shaped slot 224 is formed. The slot 224 has a slightly increasing taper from front to rear and is located in alignment with the slot 218 formed in the rear channel insert 180. The tapered slot 224 in the stripper plate 222 provides for movement of the newly formed wire sections W, therethrough during the feeding action of the transfer and feed mechanism, to be described, but prevents the wire sections from returning to the cutoff area that may result from frictional drag between the wire sections and the transfer and feed mechanism. The wire sections W are transferred through the stripper plate 222 into the magazine 48 for preforming by the preform assembly 49 into wire sections W which are then transferred to the lower die assembly 50. The magazine 48 includes a bottom channel member 226 having an elongated U-shaped channel 228 formed therein and flanges 230 formed on the upper portion thereof. A plate 232 is mounted on the flanges 230 of the channel member 226 and has an arbor 234 secured to the underside thereof that is re ceived in the channel 228. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the channel member 226 and the plate 232 mounted thereon are supported by the forward support block 179 located on the upper support plate 14. The lower portion of the arbor 234 is generally rounded and slidably receives the wire sections thereon after forming thereof by the device 46 and during preforming thereof by the jaws 122 and earns 118 of the preforming assembly 49. In this connection the jaws 122 of the preform assembly 49 are received in slots 236 formed in the flanges 230 located on the channel member 226. The top plate 232, in turn, is provided with slots 238 that are aligned with the slots 236 and receive the cams 118 therein (FIG. 7). In order to accommodate the vertical movement of the cutoff and forming device 46, the top plate 232 projects rearwardly beyond the end of the channel member 226 and has a cross slot 239 formed therein through which the arms 200 and 202 of the cutoff and forming device 46 extend.

In order to provide for feeding of the wire W to the cutoff and forming device 46, wherein the wire sections W are cut off and formed, the wire guide 153 is provided and is fixed in the assembly for receiving the wire W as fed from the wire feeding block 136. In this connection the opening 209 is formed in the wire guide 153 and terminates adjacent to the leg 202 of the cutoff and forming device 46. Thus, the wire is fed from the wire feed assembly 45 through the wire guide 153 and placed across the grooved upper ends of the blades 206 and 208. The outermost end ofthe wire guide 153 adjacent to the opening 209 has a sharpened and pointed blade edge 240 that cooperates with an edge 246 as formed on the blade 208 for severing the wire upon vertical movement of the cutoff and forming assembly 46 by the carrier 156.

With the severed wire length lying in the grooves in the blades 206 and 208 and across the slot 198, continued upward movement of the carrier 156 causes the wire length to be formed around the arbor 234 into wire section W Thereafter the U-shaped wire section W. is transferred through the stripper 222 to the preform assembly 49 and the lower die assembly 51 by the transfer assembly 47. As shown in FIG. 12, the transfer assembly 47 includes a transfer cam generally indicated at 248 that is formed with spaced legs 249 having tapered upper surfaces 250. Depending from a center portion 251 is a shank 252 having an enlarged portion 253 formed thereon, the shank 252 being received in the opening 164 in the carrier 156. Located above the transfer cam 248 is a transfer block generally indicated at 254 that includes a body portion 255 having spaced inclined surfaces 256 formed thereon that engage the inclined upper edges 250 of the transfer cam 248. An outwardly extending transfer arm 257 having a U- shaped configuration corresponding to that of the wire sections W, is centrally fixed in the body portion 255 of the transfer block 254 between the inclined surfaces 256. In order to move the transfer block forwardly in a feeding movement following the cutting and forming of wire element W,, the transfer spring 258 is provided which abuts the rear surface of the body portion 255 of the transfer block and is retained in a slot as formed in the rear support block 178 by a retainer screw 259. It is seen that upward movement of the transfer cam 248 by the carrier 156 causes a corresponding longitudinal rearward movement of the transfer block 254 to bias the spring 258. As the carrier 156 descends following a cutoff and forming operation, the transfer block 254 is urged forwardly and the elongated arm 257 projects through the slot 218 formed in the rear channel insert 180 for engagement with a newly formed wire element W, for transfer thereof through the magazine 48 on the arbor 234 as located in the channel 228 of the channel member 226. As the wire elements W, are moved through the magazine 48, they pass through the stripper 222 to the preform assembly 49, wherein the wire elements W are further shaped such that the free ends thereof are turned inwardly as indicated at W in FIGS. 8 and 12. Thereafter, the wire elements W are transferred to the lower die assembly 50 for movement to the assembly and linking station. Following each cutoff and forming operation during which sequence the transfer cam 248 annd cutoff and forming device 46 are lifted upwardly by the carrier 156, the cam shaft 22 rotates the cams 158 and 160 such that the transfer cam 248 and the cutoff and forming device 46 are retracted downwardly with the carrier 156 to await the next cutoff and forming operation.

The lower die assembly 50 not only transfers the wire elements W to the assembly and linking station but also secures the magazine assembly and channel inserts in oriented position. As shown in FIG. 12, the lower die assembly 50 includes a front face plate 260 having a tapered upper portion and a rear face plate 262 having a similar tapered upper portion'and that is secured to the front face plate 260 by a plurality of pins (not shown). Formed in the rear face plate 262 is an elongated vertically extending slot 264 in which a lower die member defined by a pusher blade 266 is vertically slidable. The uppermost end of the pusher blade 266 is formed with a curved edge 268 that is engageable with the underside of the wire sections W to define a lower die, the edge 268 cooperating with the lower edge of the forming head die 51 to close the ends of the wire sections W into the required ring conformation during the assembly and linking operation. As also illustrated in FIG. 12, the rear face plate 262 is formed with an opening 270 adjacentto the upper end thereof, the configuration of the opening 270 generally corresponding to that of the wire elements W for receiving a wire element W therein from the magazine 48. The opening 270 also communicates with a recess 271 located at the upper end of the slot 264 into which the wire elements are transferred by the blade 264 forloeation at the linking and assembly position.

In order to elevate the pusher blade 266 to move a wire element W to the assembly and linking station and for engagement thereof with the upper forming die 51, a lifter cam generally indicated at 272 is provided and is mounted on the cam shaft 22 for rotation therewith. Engaging the lifter cam 272 is a follower roller 274 that is mounted on the lower endof a lifter plate 276. The lowermost end of the pusher blade 266 is connected to the lifter plate 276; and as the lifter cam 272 rotates, the pusher blade 266 is moved upwardly and downwardly in sequential and timed relation therewith. As the pusher blade moves upwardly in the elongated slot 264, the lower die edge 268 formed thereon engages a wire element W located in the wire section retaining slot 270 of the face plate 262, and thereafter carries the wire element W upwardly for placement in the recess 27]. The wire element is then positioned for engagement with the upper forming head die 51, whereby the open ends of the wire element W, are closed to form a link.

As described hereinabove, the wire element W as moved to the assembly and linking station is normally assembled with a preformed ornamental article such as a chain or finding; and the size of the wire element W may vary as determined by the size of the ornamental article assembled -therewith.'Since the spacing between the upper forming head die 51 and the die edge 268 of the pusher blade 266 must vary in accordance with the size of the wire element W the lifter cam 272 is provided with an adjustment to compensate for the spacing between the upper and lower dies that is required for the different size links to be formed. Referring again to FIGS.-9, l and 11, the lifter cam 272 is illustrated in detail and, as shown, includes a main portion 278 having a contoured cam edge 280 formed thereon. The main cam portion 278 is undercut to receive an insert portion 282 thereon, the insert portion 282 also having a contoured cam edge 284 formed thereon. Appropriate openings 286 are formed in the main cam portion 278 and openings 288 aligned with the openings 286 are formed in the insert portion 282 of the lifter cam 272 for receiving screws 290 that secure the insert portion 282 to the main cam portion 278. The contoured cam edge 280 of the main cam portion is programmed to locate the pusher blade 266 in a dwell position for a predetermined period. When the follower roller 274 reaches the contoured cam edge 284 of the insert portion 282, the pusher blade 266 is lifted upwardly to locate the wire element W at the assembly or linking sta tion. In order to vary the spacing of the die edge 268 of the pusher blade 266 with respect to the forming head die 51, the insert portion 282 of the lifter cam 272 is replaceable with a similar portion but having a different cam edge contour. Thus, the distance the pusher blade 266 will be elevated by the lifter cam 272 will be changed to correspondingly change the spacing between the die edge 268 and the forming head die 51. It is understood that the larger the wire section used in the linking machine, the lesser the distance required for movement of the pusher blade 266.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 9, l0 and 11, a latch 292 is secured at one end thereof to the follower roller 274 and has a slot 294 formed therein that receives a pin 296 joined to the insert portion 282 of the lifter cam 272. The latch 292 is operable to positively return the pusher blade 266 to the lower position thereof as the lifter cam 272 rotates during the sequential operation of the linking machine. The slot 294 accommodates the pin 296 for sliding movement therein and prevents binding of the latch 292 as the lifter cam 272 moves the pusher blade 266 upwardly.

OPERATION In operation itwill be assumed that the pusher blade 266 of the lower die assembly 50 is located in the lower position thereof wherein the lifter cam follower 274 is riding on the lower area of the edge portion 280 of the lifter cam 272. With the pusher blade 266 located in the retracted position thereof, cams 158 and which elevate the carrier 156 are also located in the low position such that the transfer cam 248 and the cutoff andforming device 46 are located in the retracted positions thereof. At this point, the wire feeding cam 152 has reciprocated the follower bracket 148 to begin advancement of the wire stock W. The head assembly control cam 58 is also located in the low position, wherein the head block 72 of the head assembly 52 is disposed in the up position for retaining the forming head die 51 in elevated position above the assembly or linking station. An operating cycle of the machine occurs as the shaft 22 is rotated by the single revolution clutch 30 and upon depression of the control pedal by the operator of the machine. Upon beginning rotation of the cam shaft 22, the pusher blade 266 is raised to move a wire element W upwardly to a rest position which is just below the assembly or linking station. As the cams 158 and 160 rotate to raisethe carrier 156, the cutoff and forming device 46 'cuts off and forms a wire section W, around the arbor 234, and simultaneously therewith the transfer block 254 is moved rearwardly by the transfer cam 248. As the carrier 156 descends carrying the device 46 and the transfer cam 248 therewith, the transfer block 254 is urged forwardly by the spring 258 to transfer the wire section W, through the stripper plate 222. The wire elements W already formed are located on the arbor 234 in the magazine 48 and; upon forward movement of the transfer block 254, a wire element W, is transferred to the preform assembly 49. At this point the head assembly operating cam 58 is located such that the follower 59 is on the low portion of the cam 58. As the cam shaft continues to rotate, the cam 58 elevates the follower arm 56 which longitudinally shifts the head assembly head cam-53 to the right as seen in FIGS. 1 and 5. As the head cam 53'moves to the right, the head block 72 is moved downwardly carrying the preform cams 118 therewith. The preform cams 118 move into engagement with the preform jaws 122, which are pivoted inwardly from the position shown in-FIG. 7 to the position illustrated in FIG. 8. The ends of a wire section W, are then preformed to form the wire section as indicated at W As the forming head block 72 and the forming head die 51 mounted thereon are moved downwardly by the head assembly control cam 58, the lifter cam 272 is positioned such that the follower 274 continues to ride on the edge 280 which defines a dwell portion for the lifter cam in the upper rest position thereof. At this position the pusher blade 266 has located a wire section W, in a pre-assembly position priorto movement to the assembly and linking station. Cams 158 and 160 have again begun to raise the carriage 156 for the next cutting and forming operation and for the next transfer of a wire element W, to the magazine 48. The wire transfer cam 152 has reciprocated the wire feed block 136 which has engaged the wire stock W for the next transfer movement thereof. As the forming head die 51 reaches the downwardmost position thereof as determined by the cam 58, the pusher blade 266 is elevated as the high point of the lifter cam 272 is reached, the wire element W is then moved into engagement with the forming head die 51; and the wire element W is closed to form a ring. Prior to closing of the wire section W the operator places a link or ring secured to a preformed chain or finding over an exposed end of the wire element W and as the wire element is closed to form a ring, the assembly of the link to the chain or finding is complete.

As described hereinabove, the lifter cam 272 includes the removable insert portion 282 that provides for changes in size of the wire element that is moved to the assembly and linking station. It is understood that when a different size link is to be formed in the machine, the appropriate cutoff and forming inserts are also changed to accommodate the different size wire.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 through 16, a modified form of the invention is illustrated, wherein the linking machine is designed to assemble preformed wire elements at the linking station. For this purpose, the cutoff and forming device 46, the associated inserts 180 and 182 and the wire feed device 45 are not required. Although the wire feed device 45 need not be physically removed from the machine, the cutoff and forming device 46, inserts 180 and 182 and stripper plate 222 are disassembled and removed from the machine. The operating mechanism of the machine is constructed essentially the same as that described hereinabove, and includes the same cam construction, and upper and lower die assemblies, except that the wire feeding cam indicated at 152 is not operative. In the form of the invention as shown in FIGS. 14 through 16, wire elements having a configuration similar to wire element W illustrated in FIG. 12 are designed to be assembled with a preformed chain or finding at a linking station. Use of the preformed wire elements is sometimes necessary when these wire elements are to be assembled with preformed chains and findings that are formed of precious metals, and the wire elements must therefore be preformed and plated prior to the assembly with such a chain or finding. It is contemplated to make and preform the wire elements on the linking machine as described hereinabove, except that the forming head die 51 is; removed from the machine so that the preformed wire elements W; are formed and dispensed by the machine and are then usable in the modified form of the linking machine illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 16.

Since the wire elements 'to be linked and assembled in the modified form of the machine are preformed, they are introduced into a hopper 300 of'a vibrating feed device 302 and fed onto an elongated flexible arbor 304 that communicates with a magazine 306 located in the machine. One end of the flexible arbor 304 is located beneath a plate 308 of the magazine 306, the plate being secured to a channel member 310 having an elongated slot 312 formed therein for receivingthe arbor 304. The other end of the flexible arbor 304 is secured within the hopper 300 of the vibrating feed device 302, normally referred to as a Syntron feed device. As shown in FIG. .15, the arbor 304 includes a straight portion 313 that is joined directly to the hopper by a screw 315, the flexibility of the arbor 304 providing for direct feeding of the wire elements thereon and without separation of the arbor from the hopper by an air gap as is the usual technique used in such feeding devices.

' Spaced from the portion 313 is a continuous bulbous larger portion 317 that faces upwardly thereby providing for the receipt of the wire elements W thereon from the straight portion 313. It is seen that if the arbor 304 were not located as illustrated at the point where the bulbous larger portion 317 is joined to the straight portion 313, the wire elements could not be fed thereto. Since the ends of the wire elements face downwardly when they are received on the arbor 304, they must be reversed in position for feeding to the lower die assembly 51, and for this purpose the flexible arbor 304 is twisted 180 intermediate the ends thereof so that the portion of the arbor 304 located in the magazine 306 is properly oriented for feeding the wire elements to the lower die assembly 50. This is accomplished by twisting the arbor in the downwardly projecting portion thereof as it extends from the vibrating hopper 300; and as shown in FIG. 15, the arbor has been reversed in positionwhen it is received within the magazine 306.

rear channel insert holder 182 and stripper plate 222- are removed from the machine and replaced by a filler block 314 having a slot 316 formed in the upper end thereof. The slot 316 receives the rear end of the channel member 310, and a transfer block generally indicated at 318 and similar to the transfer block 248 is also provided for feeding the preformed wire elements W forwardly through the magazine 306. As shown in FIG; 16, the transfer block 318 includes spaced inclined surfaces 320 and elongated arms 322 which are adapted to engage the wire elements W for the feeding thereof to the lower die assembly 5 1 that is identical to that described hereinabove. A transfer cam 324, identical to the transfer cam 248, is also used in the modified machine and includes arms 326 anda shank 328 that is secured to the carrier 156. The arms 326 have inclined edges formed thereon that engage the inclined surfaces 320 of the transfer block 318 for moving the transfer block rearwardly.

1n the operation of the linking machine illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 16, the preformed wire elements W are placed in the vibrating hopper 300 that feeds the wire elements W onto the arbor 304 for transfer to the magazine 306. Upon rotation of the cam shaft 22, the transfer cam 324 is elevated to longitudinally shift the transfer block 318 rearwardly which is then released for movement forwardly by the transfer spring 258 to transfer the endmost of the wire elements W to the lower die assembly 50. Rotation of the lifter cam 272 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 11 moves the pusher blade 266 to the upper position for cooperation with the forming head die 51 to close the wire sections W in a link conformation, thereby assembling therewith a preformed chain or finding placed on the wire element by the operator of the machine. It is understood that the head assembly control cam 58 operates in the manner as described above in the modified form of the invention, although the wire feed cam 152 is inoperative.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the up pended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for forming a wire link and/or linking the wire link to a preformed chain, comprising a base, a carrier mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on said base, a magazine mounted on said base and forwardly of said carrier for receiving a plurality of wire elements formed in open-ended configuration wherein the open portion of each wire element faces upwardly,

a lower die assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, said lower die assembly having a wire element receiving portion formed therein, and a lower die assembly vertically movable therein for engaging a wire element for moving it upwardly to a linking station, a head assembly located above said base and including a forming head die that is mountable for vertical movement for engagement by said wire element during a link forming operation, said forming head die cooperating with said lower die wherein a wire element is located therebetween during the link forming operation, means for successively feeding said wire elements through said magazine to said lower die assembly, means for periodically moving said forming head die downwardly for engagement with a wire element, means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said forming head die for lifting said lower die member upwardly to move a wire element into engagement with said forming head die thereby forming a link, and means associated with said lifting means for adjusting the space between said forming head die and said lower die member to compensate for different size wire elements for forming links of varying sizes. 7

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, a cam shaft mounted for rotation on said base, means for rotating said cam shaft, and a plurality of cams mounted on said cam shaft and being interrelated and contoured to sequentially operate and move said feeding means, forming head and lower die member to locate and form a link at said linking station.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, one of said cams including a lifter cam that defines said lifting means, the adjustment for said lifting means including a removable portion of said lifter cam having a predetermined contour that is shaped to provide for forming a link of predetermined dimension, said removable portion being replaceable by a similar portion having a different contour to provide for forming a link of different predetermined dimension.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, one of said cams including a feed control cam that is operable to move said carrier in a vertical direction, a transfer cam interconnected to said carrier and movable therewith, said transfer cam being engageable with said feeding means for feeding a wire element to said linking station.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, said transfer cam having an inclined surface formed thereon that engages a corresponding inclined surface formed on said feeding means, wherein movement of said transfer cam in a vertical direction by said feed control cam and carrier causes said feeding means to move in a linear horizontal direction to successively feed the wire elements toward said lower die assembly.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, one of said cams including a head assembly operating cam operatively interengaged with said head assembly and being operative to sequentially move said forming head die outwardly in timed relation during a link forming operation.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6, means movable with said head assembly for engaging a wire element for producing a preform configuration therefor and prior to movement of the wire element to the linking station.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, the means for producing a preform configuration for a wire element including a pair of fixed preform cams mounted on said head assembly that are formed with inclined surfaces and a pair of preform jaws through which the wire elements are moved prior to being received at the linking station, said jaws being closable by said cams to preform a wire element as said head assembly moves said forming head die downwardly in a link forming operation.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, means for adjusting said preform cams in'vertical position to compensate for different size wire elements that are fed to said linking station.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, resilient means interposed between said jaws and normally providing for biased movement of the jaws away from each other.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, said magazine including a channel member to which a top plate is fixed, said channel member having a channel formed therein and an arbor located on the underside of said plate and being received in said channel, said wire elements being received on said arbor for movement toward said linking station,-said top plate having opposed slots formed therein through which said preform cams extend, and said channel member having opposed slots formed therein aligned with the slots formed in the top plate for receiving said jaws, wherein said preform cams cooperate with said jaws within said channel member to preform said wire elements.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, means for feeding a plurality of preformed wire elements from a vibrating feed hopper to said linking station including an elongated arbor, one end of said elongated arbor being secured to said vibrating hopper and the other end of said arborcommunicating with said magazine, said vibrating hopper feeding said wire elements onto said arbor for advancement thereover toward said magazine, said arbor being received in said magazine and extending therethrough, said feeding means being operative to successively direct said wire elements from 'said arbor in the magazine to the wire element receiving portion of said lower die assembly for movement to said linking station.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, said arbor having a configuration that provides for receiving said preformed wire elements from said hopper with the open portions thereof facing in a downward direction, said arbor having a twist formed therein between said hopper and magazine, wherein said wire elements are reversed in position prior to being received at said linking station. I v

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13, said feeding means including a transfer block that is movable in a linear direction toward said linking station, resilient means engaging said transfer block for urging said transfer block forward in a feeding operation, said transfer block having transfer fingers extending outwardly therefrom into said magazine for engagement with said wire elements, wherein said transfer fingers successively transfer said wire elements from said magazine to said wire element receiving portion of the lower die assembly.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, means for feeding a continuous length of wire to a wire cutoff and forming station located on said base, a cutoff and forming device positioned at said cutoff and forming station and being movable with said carrier to cutoff predetermined lengths of said wire and to form said wire lengths into said wire elements.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, one of said cams including a wire feed cam, a bracket engaging said wire feed cam and being reciprocated thereby in a horizontal direction, said wire feeding means being interconnected to said bracket and being responsive to,

the reciprocation thereof-to feed said wire in predetermined increments to said cutoff and forming station corresponding to the predetermined cutoff lengths of said wire.

17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said lifting means including a lifter cam, said lifter cam having a main portion formed with a predetermined edge contour and an insert portion removably secured to said main portion and having a predetermined edge contour that determines the amount of lift of said lower die member, said insert portion being replaceable by a similar insert portion and having a different edge contour to provide for a different amount of lift of said lower die member as determined by the size of the wire element and link to be formed at said linking station.

18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17, a follower engaging said lifter cam and lower die member, a latch member secured to said lifter cam and to said follower and movable with said lifter cam to retract said follower and lower die member from the link forming position after the link forming operation.

19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, said arbor.

being formed of a material having flexing characteristics that provides for the direct connection thereof to said vibrating hopper and without the requirement of an air gap between said hopper and arbor for feeding said wire elements thereto.

20. Apparatus for forming a wire link and/or linking the wire link to a preformed chain, comprising a base, a carrier mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on said base, a magazine mounted on said base and forwardly of said carrier for receiving a plurality of wire elements formed in open-ended configuration wherein the open portion of each wire element faces upwardly, a lower die assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, said lower die assembly having a wire element receiving portion formed therein, and a lower die member vertically movable therein for engaging a wire element for moving it up wardly to a linking station, a head assembly located above said base and including a forming head die that is mountable for vertical movement for engagement by said wire element during a link forming operation, said forming head die cooperating with said lower die wherein a wire element is located therebetween during the link forming operation, means for successively feeding said wire elements through said magazine to a wire element, means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said forming head die for lifting said lower die member upwardly to move a wire element into engagement with said forming head die thereby forming a link, and a pair of fixed preform cams mounted on said head assembly andmovable therewith for engaging a wire element to produce a preform configuration therefor prior to movement of the wire element to the linking station.

21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20, each of said preform cams being formed with an inclined surface adjacent to the underside thereof, and a pair of preform jaws located below said cams and through which the wire elements are moved prior to being received at the linking station, each of said jaws having an inclined surface formed thereon that is engageable by the inclined surface of a cam, wherein said jaws are closable by said cams to preform a wire element as said head assembly moves said forming head die downwardly in a link forming operation.

22. Apparatus for preforming a wire link, comprising a base, a magazine mounted on said base for receiving a plurality of wire elements that are formed in openended' configuration and that have ends thatface upwardly, a wire element vertical transfer assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, a head assembly located above said base and including a head portion that is mountable for periodic vertical movement, a pair of fixed preform cams mounted on said head assembly and movable with said head portion for engaging a wire element to produce a preform configuration therefor, means for periodically moving said head portion in a vertical direction, means for successively feeding wire elements through said magazine and said preform cams to said wire element vertical transfer assembly, and means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said means for periodically moving said head portion in a vertical direction for operating said wire element vertical transfer means for successively discharging said wire elements as preformed by said] cams from said apparatus.

23. Apparatus for forming a wire link and/or linking the wire link to a preformed chain, comprising a base, a carrier mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on said base, a magazine mounted on said base and forwardly of said carrier for receiving a plurality of wire elements formed in open-ended configuration wherein the open portion of each wire element faces upwardly, a lower die assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, said lower die assembly having a wire element receiving portion formed therein, and a lower die member vertically movable therein for engaging a wire element for moving it upwardly to a linking station, a head assembly located above said base and including a forming head die that is mountable for vertical movement for engagement by said wire element during a link forming operation, said forming head die cooperating with said lower die wherein a wire element is located therebetween during the link forming operation, means for successively feeding said wire elements through said magazine to said lower die assembly, means for periodically moving said forming head die downwardly for engagement with a wire element, means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said forming head die for lifting said lower die member upwardly to move a wire element into engagement with said forming head die thereby forming a link, means for feeding a plurality of preformed wire elements from a vibrating feed hopper to said linking station including an elongated arbor, one end of said elongated arbor being secured to said vibrating hopper and the other end of said arbor communicating with said magazine, said vibrating hopper feeding said wire elements onto said arbor for advancement thereover toward said magazine, said arbor being received in said magazine and extending therethrough, said feeding means being operative to successively direct said wire elements from said arbor in the magazine to the wire element receiving portion of said lower die assembly for movement to said linking station.

24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, said arbor having a configuration that provides for receiving said preformed wire elements from said hopper with the open portions thereof facing in a downward direction, said arbor having a 180 twist formed therein between said hopper and magazine, wherein said wire elements are reversed in position prior to being received at said linking station.

25. Apparatus as setforth in claim 23, said arbor being formed of a material having flexing characteristics that provides for the direct connection thereof to said vibrating hopper and without the requirement of an air gap'between said hopper and arbor for feeding said wire elements thereto.

26. Apparatus for forming a wire link and/or linking the wire link to a preformed chain, comprising a base, a carrier mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on said base, a magazine mounted on said base and forwardly of said carrier for receiving a plurality of wire elements formed in open-ended configuration wherein the open portion of each wire element faces upwardly, a lower die assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, said lower die assembly having a wire element receiving portion formed therein, and a lower die member vertically movable therein for engaging a wire element for moving it upwardly to a linking station, a head assembly located above said base and including a forming head die that is mountable for vertical movement for engagement by said wire element during a link forming operation, said forming head die cooperating with said lower die wherein a wire element is located therebetween during the link forming operation, means for successively feeding said wire elements through said magazine to said lower die assembly, means for periodically moving said forming head die downwardly for engagement with a wire element, means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said forming head die for lifting said lower die member upwardly to move a wire element into engagement with said forming head die thereby forming a link, a cam shaft mounted for rotation on said base, means for rotating said cam shaft, and a plurality of cams mounted on said cam shaft and being interrelated and contoured to sequentially operate and move said feeding means, forming head and lower die member to locate and form a link at said linking station, one of said cams including a feed control cam that is operable to move said carrier in a vertical direction, a transfer cam interconnected to said carrier and movable therewith, said transfer cam being engageable with said feeding means for feeding a wire element to said linking station, and one of said cams including a head assembly operating cam operatively interengaged with said head assembly and being operative to sequentially move said forming head die downwardly in timed relation during a link forming operation.

27. Apparatus for feeding articles to a work station, comprising a base, a carrier mounted on said base for movement with respect thereto, a magazine mounted on said base forreceiving a plurality of said articles for feeding movement thereon, a first feeding means communicating with said magazine for successively directing said articles onto a second feeding means located forwardly of said first feeding means, and means for moving said second feeding means for successively directing said articles to said work station, a vibrating feed hopper for receiving said articles therein, and an elongated arbor for transferring said articles from said hopper to said magazine, one end of said arbor being secured to said vibrating hopper and the other end of said arbor communicating with said magazine, wherein the vibrating action of said hopper transfers said articles onto the arbor secured thereto to said magazine.

28. Apparatus as setforth in claim 27 said arbor having flexing characteristics wherein the direct connection of said one end to said hopper provides for the transfer of said articles to said magazine. 

1. Apparatus for forming a wire link and/or linking the wire link to a preformed chain, comprising a base, a carrier mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on said base, a magazine mounted on said base and forwardly of said carrier for receiving a plurality of wire elements formed in open-ended configuration wherein the open portion of each wire element faces upwardly, a lower die assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, said lower die assembly having a wire element receiving portion formed therein, and a lower die assembly vertically movable therein for engaging a wire element for moving it upwardly to a linking station, a head assembly located above said base and including a forming head die that is mountable for vertical movement for engagement by said wire element during a link forming operation, said forming head die cooperating with said lower die wherein a wire element is located therebetween during the link forming operation, means for successively feeding said wire elements through said magazine to said lower die assembly, means for periodically moving said forming head die downwardly for engagement with a wire element, means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said forming head die for lifting said lower die member upwardly to move a wire element into engagement with said forming head die thereby forming a link, and means associated with said lifting means for adjusting the space between said forming heAd die and said lower die member to compensate for different size wire elements for forming links of varying sizes.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, a cam shaft mounted for rotation on said base, means for rotating said cam shaft, and a plurality of cams mounted on said cam shaft and being interrelated and contoured to sequentially operate and move said feeding means, forming head and lower die member to locate and form a link at said linking station.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, one of said cams including a lifter cam that defines said lifting means, the adjustment for said lifting means including a removable portion of said lifter cam having a predetermined contour that is shaped to provide for forming a link of predetermined dimension, said removable portion being replaceable by a similar portion having a different contour to provide for forming a link of different predetermined dimension.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, one of said cams including a feed control cam that is operable to move said carrier in a vertical direction, a transfer cam interconnected to said carrier and movable therewith, said transfer cam being engageable with said feeding means for feeding a wire element to said linking station.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, said transfer cam having an inclined surface formed thereon that engages a corresponding inclined surface formed on said feeding means, wherein movement of said transfer cam in a vertical direction by said feed control cam and carrier causes said feeding means to move in a linear horizontal direction to successively feed the wire elements toward said lower die assembly.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, one of said cams including a head assembly operating cam operatively interengaged with said head assembly and being operative to sequentially move said forming head die outwardly in timed relation during a link forming operation.
 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6, means movable with said head assembly for engaging a wire element for producing a preform configuration therefor and prior to movement of the wire element to the linking station.
 8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, the means for producing a preform configuration for a wire element including a pair of fixed preform cams mounted on said head assembly that are formed with inclined surfaces and a pair of preform jaws through which the wire elements are moved prior to being received at the linking station, said jaws being closable by said cams to preform a wire element as said head assembly moves said forming head die downwardly in a link forming operation.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, means for adjusting said preform cams in vertical position to compensate for different size wire elements that are fed to said linking station.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, resilient means interposed between said jaws and normally providing for biased movement of the jaws away from each other.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, said magazine including a channel member to which a top plate is fixed, said channel member having a channel formed therein and an arbor located on the underside of said plate and being received in said channel, said wire elements being received on said arbor for movement toward said linking station, said top plate having opposed slots formed therein through which said preform cams extend, and said channel member having opposed slots formed therein aligned with the slots formed in the top plate for receiving said jaws, wherein said preform cams cooperate with said jaws within said channel member to preform said wire elements.
 12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, means for feeding a plurality of preformed wire elements from a vibrating feed hopper to said linking station including an elongated arbor, one end of said elongated arbor being secured to said vibrating hopper and the other end of said arbor communicating with said magazine, said vibrating hopper feeding said wire elements onto saiD arbor for advancement thereover toward said magazine, said arbor being received in said magazine and extending therethrough, said feeding means being operative to successively direct said wire elements from said arbor in the magazine to the wire element receiving portion of said lower die assembly for movement to said linking station.
 13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, said arbor having a configuration that provides for receiving said preformed wire elements from said hopper with the open portions thereof facing in a downward direction, said arbor having a 180* twist formed therein between said hopper and magazine, wherein said wire elements are reversed in position prior to being received at said linking station.
 14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13, said feeding means including a transfer block that is movable in a linear direction toward said linking station, resilient means engaging said transfer block for urging said transfer block forward in a feeding operation, said transfer block having transfer fingers extending outwardly therefrom into said magazine for engagement with said wire elements, wherein said transfer fingers successively transfer said wire elements from said magazine to said wire element receiving portion of the lower die assembly.
 15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, means for feeding a continuous length of wire to a wire cutoff and forming station located on said base, a cutoff and forming device positioned at said cutoff and forming station and being movable with said carrier to cut off predetermined lengths of said wire and to form said wire lengths into said wire elements.
 16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, one of said cams including a wire feed cam, a bracket engaging said wire feed cam and being reciprocated thereby in a horizontal direction, said wire feeding means being interconnected to said bracket and being responsive to the reciprocation thereof to feed said wire in predetermined increments to said cutoff and forming station corresponding to the predetermined cutoff lengths of said wire.
 17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said lifting means including a lifter cam, said lifter cam having a main portion formed with a predetermined edge contour and an insert portion removably secured to said main portion and having a predetermined edge contour that determines the amount of lift of said lower die member, said insert portion being replaceable by a similar insert portion and having a different edge contour to provide for a different amount of lift of said lower die member as determined by the size of the wire element and link to be formed at said linking station.
 18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17, a follower engaging said lifter cam and lower die member, a latch member secured to said lifter cam and to said follower and movable with said lifter cam to retract said follower and lower die member from the link forming position after the link forming operation.
 19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, said arbor being formed of a material having flexing characteristics that provides for the direct connection thereof to said vibrating hopper and without the requirement of an air gap between said hopper and arbor for feeding said wire elements thereto.
 20. Apparatus for forming a wire link and/or linking the wire link to a preformed chain, comprising a base, a carrier mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on said base, a magazine mounted on said base and forwardly of said carrier for receiving a plurality of wire elements formed in open-ended configuration wherein the open portion of each wire element faces upwardly, a lower die assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, said lower die assembly having a wire element receiving portion formed therein, and a lower die member vertically movable therein for engaging a wire element for moving it upwardly to a linking station, a head assembly located above said base and including a forming head die that is mountable Pg, 44 for vertical movement for engagement by said wire element during a link forming operation, said forming head die cooperating with said lower die wherein a wire element is located therebetween during the link forming operation, means for successively feeding said wire elements through said magazine to said lower die assembly, means for periodically moving said forming head die downwardly for engagement with a wire element, means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said forming head die for lifting said lower die member upwardly to move a wire element into engagement with said forming head die thereby forming a link, and a pair of fixed preform cams mounted on said head assembly and movable therewith for engaging a wire element to produce a preform configuration therefor prior to movement of the wire element to the linking station.
 21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20, each of said preform cams being formed with an inclined surface adjacent to the underside thereof, and a pair of preform jaws located below said cams and through which the wire elements are moved prior to being received at the linking station, each of said jaws having an inclined surface formed thereon that is engageable by the inclined surface of a cam, wherein said jaws are closable by said cams to preform a wire element as said head assembly moves said forming head die downwardly in a link forming operation.
 22. Apparatus for preforming a wire link, comprising a base, a magazine mounted on said base for receiving a plurality of wire elements that are formed in open-ended configuration and that have ends that face upwardly, a wire element vertical transfer assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, a head assembly located above said base and including a head portion that is mountable for periodic vertical movement, a pair of fixed preform cams mounted on said head assembly and movable with said head portion for engaging a wire element to produce a preform configuration therefor, means for periodically moving said head portion in a vertical direction, means for successively feeding wire elements through said magazine and said preform cams to said wire element vertical transfer assembly, and means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said means for periodically moving said head portion in a vertical direction for operating said wire element vertical transfer means for successively discharging said wire elements as preformed by said cams from said apparatus.
 23. Apparatus for forming a wire link and/or linking the wire link to a preformed chain, comprising a base, a carrier mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on said base, a magazine mounted on said base and forwardly of said carrier for receiving a plurality of wire elements formed in open-ended configuration wherein the open portion of each wire element faces upwardly, a lower die assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, said lower die assembly having a wire element receiving portion formed therein, and a lower die member vertically movable therein for engaging a wire element for moving it upwardly to a linking station, a head assembly located above said base and including a forming head die that is mountable for vertical movement for engagement by said wire element during a link forming operation, said forming head die cooperating with said lower die wherein a wire element is located therebetween during the link forming operation, means for successively feeding said wire elements through said magazine to said lower die assembly, means for periodically moving said forming head die downwardly for engagement with a wire element, means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said forming head die for lifting said lower die member upwardly to move a wire element into engagement with said forming head die thereby forming a link, means for feeding a plurality of preformed wire elements from a viBrating feed hopper to said linking station including an elongated arbor, one end of said elongated arbor being secured to said vibrating hopper and the other end of said arbor communicating with said magazine, said vibrating hopper feeding said wire elements onto said arbor for advancement thereover toward said magazine, said arbor being received in said magazine and extending therethrough, said feeding means being operative to successively direct said wire elements from said arbor in the magazine to the wire element receiving portion of said lower die assembly for movement to said linking station.
 24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, said arbor having a configuration that provides for receiving said preformed wire elements from said hopper with the open portions thereof facing in a downward direction, said arbor having a 180* twist formed therein between said hopper and magazine, wherein said wire elements are reversed in position prior to being received at said linking station.
 25. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, said arbor being formed of a material having flexing characteristics that provides for the direct connection thereof to said vibrating hopper and without the requirement of an air gap between said hopper and arbor for feeding said wire elements thereto.
 26. Apparatus for forming a wire link and/or linking the wire link to a preformed chain, comprising a base, a carrier mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on said base, a magazine mounted on said base and forwardly of said carrier for receiving a plurality of wire elements formed in open-ended configuration wherein the open portion of each wire element faces upwardly, a lower die assembly located forwardly of said magazine and communicating therewith, said lower die assembly having a wire element receiving portion formed therein, and a lower die member vertically movable therein for engaging a wire element for moving it upwardly to a linking station, a head assembly located above said base and including a forming head die that is mountable for vertical movement for engagement by said wire element during a link forming operation, said forming head die cooperating with said lower die wherein a wire element is located therebetween during the link forming operation, means for successively feeding said wire elements through said magazine to said lower die assembly, means for periodically moving said forming head die downwardly for engagement with a wire element, means operating in timed relation with respect to said feeding means and said forming head die for lifting said lower die member upwardly to move a wire element into engagement with said forming head die thereby forming a link, a cam shaft mounted for rotation on said base, means for rotating said cam shaft, and a plurality of cams mounted on said cam shaft and being interrelated and contoured to sequentially operate and move said feeding means, forming head and lower die member to locate and form a link at said linking station, one of said cams including a feed control cam that is operable to move said carrier in a vertical direction, a transfer cam interconnected to said carrier and movable therewith, said transfer cam being engageable with said feeding means for feeding a wire element to said linking station, and one of said cams including a head assembly operating cam operatively interengaged with said head assembly and being operative to sequentially move said forming head die downwardly in timed relation during a link forming operation.
 27. Apparatus for feeding articles to a work station, comprising a base, a carrier mounted on said base for movement with respect thereto, a magazine mounted on said base for receiving a plurality of said articles for feeding movement thereon, a first feeding means communicating with said magazine for successively directing said articles onto a second feeding means located forwardly of said first feeding means, and means for moving said second feeding means for successively directing saId articles to said work station, a vibrating feed hopper for receiving said articles therein, and an elongated arbor for transferring said articles from said hopper to said magazine, one end of said arbor being secured to said vibrating hopper and the other end of said arbor communicating with said magazine, wherein the vibrating action of said hopper transfers said articles onto the arbor secured thereto to said magazine.
 28. Apparatus as set forth in claim 27 said arbor having flexing characteristics wherein the direct connection of said one end to said hopper provides for the transfer of said articles to said magazine. 